MANCHESTER – On Monday, Manchester School District and Manchester Proud officially kicked off their new community schools project, which is supported by a $2.5 million federal grant. The new project will begin in the fall at Gossler Park and Beech Street Elementary Schools.
Community schools are public schools that approach learning with a focus on the whole child, providing access to services and support that meet the needs of students and families. Outcomes include improved school climate and family engagement, increased attendance and course completion, and improved behavior.
Manchester is the only community in the state – and one of only 30 nationwide – to receive this grant funding, which covers five years of the project. This funding is also a first in the Granite State, as no community has previously received federal community schools grants. Interim Assistant Superintendent Nicole Doherty, who worked closely with Manchester Proud’s Aimee Kereage on the grant application, noted that the process started just over a year ago.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and we are just getting started,” Doherty said. “Through the partnership between Manchester Proud and the Manchester School District, we have united the community to support our schools — creating a strong school-community partnership. We couldn't have achieved this without your support.”
Community partnerships play a key role in the community schools work, and many of the funded partners involved were in attendance at the kick-off event on Monday, including Amoskeag Health, Granite YMCA, International Institute of New England, SEE Science Center, and UNH 4H Extension. Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Chmiel Gillis said that the grant-funded project is a testament to how the community is able to come together in service of its students.
“This achievement is not just a milestone – it's a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved,” Gillis said. “Our students are the heart of this endeavor, and it's their futures that will be shaped by the partnerships we've cultivated. This initiative directly aligns with our strategic plan to ‘grow our learners’ and ‘grow our systems.’ By fostering collaborative partnerships and providing comprehensive support systems by removing barriers for our students.”
Monday’s kick-off event highlighted the progress on the project and the potential impact on students. Mayor Jay Ruais said that a critical element of the community schools approach is recognizing that student success is not just determined inside a classroom, and schools can play a role in addressing external factors that impact students.
“This is about fostering partnerships, breaking down barriers and providing every child with the support and resources that they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” Ruais said.
“Through this initiative, we will see the creation of vibrant hubs of learning and support within our neighborhoods. These schools will serve as beacons of hope, offering a wide array of services and programs tailored to meet the unique needs of our students and our families, from healthcare to mentorship, from enrichment activities to parental involvement.
Deputy Education Commissioner Christine Brennan served as the principal at Beech Street School when District staff and partners laid the groundwork for this grant. She said she was thrilled to see these evidence-based practices receiving more support and attention.
“Focusing on the whole child and offering key services that help to increase student attendance and student engagement will help set them up for success in the short term, and as they grow into adults, they will have bright futures,” Brennan said. “We have learned how these essential wraparound services that are helping to meet the needs of children and families are successful.”